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A review by ruth24
The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X, Alex Haley
5.0
[b:The Autobiography of Malcolm X|92057|The Autobiography of Malcolm X|Malcolm X|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1434682864s/92057.jpg|47400] has made me think more than any other book I've read.
I'm embarrassed to admit that I didn't really know who Malcolm X was before. All I knew was that he was somehow involved in civil rights and had been assassinated, but beyond that I knew nothing. The book was written in a way that made it feel as though Malcolm X was speaking his story aloud to me and by the end, I felt like I got a really good sense of who he was. He became real to me, almost as if I had met him in person and I was crushed by the account of his assassination in the epilogue.
While I didn't agree with everything Malcolm X said or did (though our beliefs began to align more towards the end of his life), I feel a lot of respect for him as a person. What struck me most of all was that he was so steadfast in his beliefs, but when new experiences or knowledge caused him to change his mind, he openly admitted it. That takes a lot of courage and humility to do, especially if you're in the public eye.
I'm so glad this book was recommended to me! I also think it might be the first autobiography I've ever read, which is crazy. It was a great introduction to the genre and I've already added a few others to my 'Want to Read' shelf. I love when one book expands your interests and leads you in the direction of lots of other great books! What's your favourite autobiography?
I'm embarrassed to admit that I didn't really know who Malcolm X was before. All I knew was that he was somehow involved in civil rights and had been assassinated, but beyond that I knew nothing. The book was written in a way that made it feel as though Malcolm X was speaking his story aloud to me and by the end, I felt like I got a really good sense of who he was. He became real to me, almost as if I had met him in person and I was crushed by the account of his assassination in the epilogue.
While I didn't agree with everything Malcolm X said or did (though our beliefs began to align more towards the end of his life), I feel a lot of respect for him as a person. What struck me most of all was that he was so steadfast in his beliefs, but when new experiences or knowledge caused him to change his mind, he openly admitted it. That takes a lot of courage and humility to do, especially if you're in the public eye.
I'm so glad this book was recommended to me! I also think it might be the first autobiography I've ever read, which is crazy. It was a great introduction to the genre and I've already added a few others to my 'Want to Read' shelf. I love when one book expands your interests and leads you in the direction of lots of other great books! What's your favourite autobiography?